Travel Guides

Places of Interest in West Flores

Labuan Bajo Mainland

Batu Cermin Cave

Batu Cermin is the Indonesian name for Mirror Rock. Shown is the limestone Mirror Rock that gives this outcrop its name. Depending on the time of year, between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m., the sun shines into the canyon and reflects off the walls creating a spectacular visual effect.The main cave is located at the centre of Batu Cermin. A ladder walkway connects the central area where the main cave is located. The walkway leads through a series of chambers before opening into the main narrow canyon of “Mirror Rock.’’

Observe bats and spiders in the caves. While the bats are found in abundance, you have to be very lucky to see the local spiders who, when approached, quickly scamper out of sight.

Sano Ngoang Deepest Lake in the World

General informationLocated approximately 35 km east of Labuan BajoThought to be one of the deepest volcanic crater lakes in the world, with recorded depths of 500 meter. Its waters are sulfuric and fed by numerous hot springs.

ActivitiesNo local guides operate from Sano Nggoang. Guide services should be organized before your departure from Labuan Bajo. Remarkably simple and untouched by modern life, the lake area offers the following experiences for eco tourism visitors:

Culture- Local handcrafts- Village traditions, dances and local traditional ceremonies.

How to get there

Located approximately 35 km east of Labuan Bajo, in the direction of Ruteng

Best accessed by car or on a rented motorcycle

By local Ojek transport (motorcycle taxi) or Bemo (local public buses).

The recommended means of visiting the lake is in the company of a local driver and guide.

Directions

Follow the main road from Labuan Bajo to Ruteng. After approximately 35 km, turn right at the road crossing in the direction of Werang. The distance from the intersection to Werang is approximately 10.5 km and it is a further 16.5 km from Werang to the actual lake shore. Please note that the road condition is poor beginning from the main road’s intersection and can be difficult to pass during the rainy season.

If you’re traveling by local transport, it is recommended that you disembark at Werang and take an Ojek (motorbike taxi) for the remainder of the distance to the lake. Please note that local buses do not operate to any fixed schedule.

Those seeking exercise should hike the 16.5 km from Werang to the lake. This is a picturesque trek taking about five hours from Werang to the village of Nunang at the lake, with the path passing small local communities along the way.

Traditional agriculture practice and unique architectural features used in local home construction

Getting there can truly be half the fun! The walk to the waterfall transitions from settled areas to less-populated agricultural environs. On the way you, with the help of your local guide, you can converse with local farmers for directions or obtain insights on daily life in West Flores’ hinterlands.

Domesticated water buffalos, pigs and goats will be seen along the path. Rice fields, providing the opportunity to see rice cultivation at various stages of its growth cycle, are found along the scenic trek to the waterfall. Be sure to keep an eye out for the vanilla, avocado, bananas and cacao plantations located along the trail leading to the waterfall. A local guide will help identify the many plants, fruits and other plants that populate the walk through this Eden-like setting.

When fording the river leading to the waterfall you’ll pass by a popular swimming pool for local children. The river is fairly wide with water volumes that vary, depending on season.

Offshore Labuan Bajo(Indonesia Best Snorkeling)

Bidadari Island

General Information

Excellent white sandy beach

Calm water, good swimming

Nice coral reef, good for snorkeling

Calm conditions make this an ideal spot for learning or beginning divers

Exclusive eco-friendly bungalows now being built on the island

Rock and coral protection undertake by an international company (Reefseekers)

How to get there

Distance readily from Labuan Bajo to Bidadari Island is 6 km. Local tour operators and boats readily available for the short 15-20 minute boat trip